COOLANGATTA, Queensland/AUS (Sunday, March 12, 2017) – The world’s best surfers hit the red carpet for the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Awards – the night that celebrates the achievements of the 2016 season, and officially opens the 2017 WSL Championship Tour year.

Accolades and awards were delivered to those who have contributed to the sport, including the Heat of the Year, Breakthrough Performers and, of course, the WSL Champions.

WSL Women’s Champion: Tyler Wright (AUS)

“Congratulations to all the winners this year,” Wright said during her acceptance speech. “I want to thank my tour family and the people I travel with. There is so much love in the surfing community and I am so lucky to be a part of it. Thank you to my family, and thank you to my mom. Thank you to the people who have raised me and supported me. Thank you to the people who have spent the time to notice and pay attention to the little things that are so easily looked over.”

"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you." - Maya Angelou